The seemingly inconsequential trim upgrades that many auto shoppers tend to ignore are actually a billion-dollar industry. That’s right; it’s been evaluated extensively. A report published by Expert Market Research has the global automotive trim market for 2023 valued at approximately $34.93 billion and projected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 8.3%, reaching $71.58 billion by 2032.
In other words, the upgrade market is significantly bigger than the auto market itself. According to Business Research Insights, the world’s auto market was valued at approximately $2.085.78 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $2.746.49 billion by 2032, growing at a 2.79% CAGR.
This shows a strong and growing demand for advanced features typically found in trim options, especially in the luxury and midsize categories. As the economy avails more disposable income, consumers are rediscovering a taste for hi-tech features designed to orchestrate how we drive and interact with our vehicles. These 10 are definitely worth the upgrade.
Self-Parking Technology
Self-parking can be an invaluable feature for both experienced and newbie drivers. There are many scenarios where a car’s ability to park itself without any driver input can benefit even expert drivers, especially with the technology becoming more sophisticated and capable of navigating tight spaces.
For example, the new BMW 7 Series’ Parking Assistant Plus can undertake parallel and perpendicular parking using ultrasonic sensors. There’s, of course, the Tesla Model S’s Autopark and the Ford Escape’s Active Park Assist 2.0.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates
It’s now more than a decade since Tesla replicated smartphones’ over-the-air (OTA) software updates for cars with the launch of the Model S in 2012. Other automakers like Ford, Rivian, and KIA have now adopted this innovation.
The feature helps keep your car fresh and up to date by remotely updating the software, automatically adding new features, fixing bugs, and enhancing performance without requiring you to show up at the dealership. In our books, it is a hundred percent worth the upgrade. Examples of models that support OTA include the KIA EV9 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Ultra-Fast EV Charging
Charging time is one of the biggest roadblocks to EV adoption and the biggest source of worry for many EV fans and owners. For this reason, upgrading to the fastest charging technologies available is worth the investment, as long as the cost is within reasonable range and terms.
New EVs now support ultra-fast charging with 800V architectures. The new Ford Mustang Mach-E, for example, supports ultra-fast charging with FLO’s Ultra DC Fast Chargers, which charges the SUV to 80% in 15 minutes.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV also uses the FLO. Of course, there are others like Nyobolt’s ultra-fast chargers and StoreDot’s 100in5 adopted by new models like the Polestar 5 and Volvo’s next-gen EVs.
Biometric Access and Start
Few tech features are cooler than biometric access. One of the highlights of the apocalyptic movie 2012 was the tense airplane scene where Yuri (played by Zlatko Buric) yells for everyone to shut up before beseeching what was apparently a Bentley Continental GT with the words, “Engine, start.” The car responded accordingly.
The industry has since come a long way from basic voice commands. Automakers now offer fingerprint or facial recognition access systems designed to fortify security and promote a more personalized driving experience.
For example, the Genesis GV60 pioneered facial recognition for keyless entry and engine start functions. Similarly, the new Hyundai Palisade lets you start the engine using its fingerprint recognition system.
Next-Generation Infotainment Systems
This one isn’t straightforward since there are instances where the latest infotainment system is worse than the outgoing version. For example, the Mk8 Golf’s infotainment was bashed for being less user-friendly than the Mk7.
It’s a similar story with the Mazda3, which many users considered a massive step back from the previous model’s more straightforward system as opposed to the new 3’s complex interface and missing touchscreen.
That said, an improved infotainment system, whether in the form of a larger screen or the introduction of new features like voice control or wearables compatibility, is always a welcome development worth the upgrade. The infotainment is central to the driver’s interaction with the car.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with AI
Feel free to hate AI all you want except when it comes to AI-enriched ADAS. You don’t have to be Elon Musk to realize it’s the fastest and probably the most guaranteed route to full autonomy.
Imagine a real-time and simultaneous aggregation and deployment of data from LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, and radar to sharpen the accuracy of object detection and classification. Leveraging AI (artificial intelligence) to enhance ADAS technologies like lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking enhances precision and speed, and we say it’s worth the upgrade.
Take Gauzy’s Smart-Vision Systems, for example. It’s an AI-powered camera monitor system (CMS) using high-def cameras and displays instead of regular car mirrors. Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz EQS’s Level 3 autonomous DRIVE PILOT system leverages AI for driver-assist actions like automatic steering, acceleration, and braking.
Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR-HUD)
Augmented Reality (AR) represents the latest advancement in head-up guidance systems, or more precisely, transparent display technologies. The concept was obviously borrowed from the airplane’s instrument readings projected on the windscreen or visor.
Now, an AR-enabled head-up display (HUD) enhances the experience by integrating real-time data while overlaying navigation instructions, speed, and safety warnings directly onto the windshield. We’d say the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class ownership experience isn’t complete without upgrading to the model’s sophisticated AR-HUD.
Other new models with the option include the Audi Q4 e-tron (which provides tech overlays in two separate levels), the Hyundai IONIQ 5, and many others powered by the HARMAN Ready Vision, Raythink 3D AR-HUD, Huawei AR-HUD, and more.
360-degree Cameras with 3D Imaging
The 360° cameras with 3D imaging is a feature worth an upgrade. It presents a comprehensive view of the car, known as a bird’s-eye view, in 3D rendering, ultimately helping with parking and safety in tricky driving conditions. Examples of new cars with a 3D imaging-enabled bird’s-eye view are the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Audi Q8.
The Q8, for instance, uses a top-view camera system with 3D imaging to help drivers navigate and park in tricky situations. You can view a virtual 3D image of your car and its surroundings on the display screen.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive headlights refer to a high-tech lighting technology designed to simultaneously improve visibility and safety, especially while driving in low light conditions. They adjust their intensity and direction using sensors that monitor your vehicle’s speed and steering angle.
The curve-adaptive headlight design, for instance, automatically pivots in the direction you turn the steering wheel, ultimately optimizing visibility around corners and bends. Similarly, Adaptive Driving Beams use complex LED arrays to dynamically adjust the light pattern in order to minimize glare for other road users. It’s a feature in new cars worth the upgrade.
Smart Glass Roofs
New models like the Cadillac Celestiq and Renault Rafale have proven the panoramic sunroof can be much smarter and better. The Celestiq showcased a four-quadrant, suspended-particle-device (SPD) smart glass roof. It’s a super-cool, hi-tech interior feature that gives each passenger control of their section of the roof, allowing them to adjust the level of transparency.
However, the smart glass roof doesn’t have to be as smart as the Celestiq. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s Magic Sky Control, for instance, is smart enough with its transparency-adjusting electrochromic glass. In the supercar arena, the McLaren 720S’s electrochromic glass roof can switch between tinted and clear states at the touch of a button.
